Overview

• The RSPB says poor‑quality or improperly handled peanuts can carry aflatoxin, a mould toxin that is lethal to garden birds even in small amounts.
• Gardeners are advised to choose peanuts guaranteed aflatoxin‑free and to avoid salted or roasted varieties, which specialists say can cause harm.
• Suggested alternatives include sunflower hearts, mealworms, suet, seed mixes, nyger and bird cakes, with chopped fruit offered for ground‑feeding species.
• Regular cleaning of feeders and dry, cool storage of feed are recommended to limit mould growth, deter pests and reduce disease risks.
• With natural food waning in autumn, keeping feeders reliably topped up provides vital high‑energy nutrition, and young birds are especially vulnerable to toxins.